Taste and See

A few days ago, I took the boys for a treat of ice cream after a particularly productive day at school and life in general. Each of the boys received an ice cream cone dipped in chocolate. They loved it, but perhaps Kendall enjoyed it most of all. He savored that treat! His face, hands, clothes, and seat were a mess, but he relished and delighted in his special treat.

That , my friend, is my hope for us- that we relish and delight in the treats we are given from the Father. Our precious family, friends, opportunities, and gifts as well as the words of our precious Lord and Savior (scriptures). We have so much to delight in.... We have a Savior who has given us life- an eternal life- and freedom from all that would hold us in bondage. Let us savor, enjoy, and embrace wholly this precious life we have been given!!

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! (Psalms 34:8 NLT)

Saving Moments

This morning, as I was pondering the journey God has taken me down over the past several days.... looking at all the different times and places that God called individuals to "walk" in the scriptures.  Yesterday, we finished looking at the passage in Matthew when God encouraged Peter to walk on water.  As I reflected deeper on that, it hit me that Jesus saved Peter from the raging waters as well as his growing doubts and fears.  It was a "saving moment", but there were so many more before and yet to come.  You see, we so often say to others that we were saved at a certain age in our lives, but reality is that Jesus saved us from our past, saves us today, and will save us in the days ahead.

He saves us from the thoughts that torment and the guilt that plagues us.  He saves us from saying something that would be hurtful.  He saves us from prison of sinful repercussions.  He saves us daily through circumstances and events that often slip past us unnoticed.  He does this continually and therefore we need not worry in regards to the future.  He has faithfully does this in the past and revealed just how capable He is.  You see, a life in Christ is just that... a life... so entwined in Christ that all our moments have His reflection in them. 

What struggle is pulling at you today?  If you are a child of the King, have no worries because just as He saved you in the beginning, just as He saved you in past events, just as He saved you last week, He will save you from this struggle today- just give it to Him.  Allow Him to fill your hands with His purpose and plan for you today.  Let today be another of countless "saving moments" in your life- it will bring Him joy.  It will bring you freedom.

Blessings today!

Walk Purposefully (Part Two)

"After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here! ” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed." (Matthew 14:23-33 NLT)

Have you ever felt God was asking you to walk on water?  To do something that seemed so impossible to your earthly senses?  Maybe journey through a painful process that no one should have to step in the mire of?  In those moments, God enables you to walk on water with Him.  He makes you what you could never be on your own and provides all you need to not just survive, but thrive in the midst of it.  In his fear, Peter cried out to Jesus.  Christ brings words of comfort, but Peter needed more... he needed to be near- to test and see- that this figure was truly His Lord.  Jesus invites Him to walk on the water with Him.  Peter amazingly walks on the water despite the raging storm that threatened all around Him.  Yesterday, we discussed when God calls us out of the boat of our personal security.  My friend, if we must choose between staying in the boat of our own making- self sufficiency- or walking on water amidst the storm through Christ, I choose Christ.  We are never safer and closer to the heart of God than when we are desperately clinging to our hope and faith in Him. 

Peter does the impossible...until... his focus changes from his King to his troubles.  Oh, how I can relate to Peter so many times.  His heart wants to be wholly used for the Father, but his complete humanness causes him to stumble so many times.  I, like Peter, can do the impossible when I am focused on my King, but I allow my focus to shift to the circumstances that I am walking through and I begin to sink. Moments when we have peace when there should be none.  Moments that we have the right words when our mind cannot process.  Moments when we are stronger than humanly possible for the pain we are dealing with.  Such moments, are moments that we do the impossible through the enabling of the Holy Spirit.   Jesus comes and saves Peter immediately, but questions him..."Why did you doubt me?"  That hits close to home.  Why have I doubted God?  Why have I questioned His abilities, purpose, plan and judgement in my personal circumstances?  He has never failed me.

The others watching begin to recognize Jesus as the true Son from this experience.  My friend, you never know what kind of witness you are being to others around you.  Many times, that witness is at it strongest when Christ calls you to walk on the water of your struggles with Him.  Others won't understand why you get out of the boat.   They stand in awe as you not only survive, but thrive despite it all.  Point them to Jesus; so they too, can recognize and worship the King of Kings.

Do you think Peter was the same after that experience?  I don't.  No one who walks on water with Christ is ever the same afterward.  They are stronger and have a new view on life- one from outside the boat of their own making.  Life just isn't the same and it isn't meant to be.  My friend, whatever you are facing today, God is inviting you near.  He is inviting you to live beyond the circumstances threatening to drown you today.  Do not lose heart.  Do not look at the raging storm, but focus on the Savior.  He will hold you up and invite you to have the faith in Him to walk above the swelling waters.  Cling to Him and walk on....

Walk Purposefully (Part One)

"Rest in My Presence, allowing Me to take charge of this day.  Do not bolt into the day like a racehorse suddenly released.  Instead, walk purposefully with Me, letting Me direct your course one step at a time."  Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young

This morning, as I read those words, my racing mind stopped in its tracks.  I had been so lost in all the needs and duties of this day as I read those words that I truly realized were meant for me on this day.  So much vies for my attention and too often I am plagued by the  needs, distractions, worries and fears that swirl at my feet like raging waters ready to consume my day, my mind, and my heart.  In the midst of it all, I tend to want to race into my day- facing it head on and ready to accomplish much- and yet, it comes at the sacrificial price of time with my Father.  Instead, my Father wants me to slow down and walk a purposeful journey with the One who has conquered the death and the grave and who gives me freedom and life!  He directs my course one step at a time, but I must spend time with Him each day to know which direction He is leading me.

As I pondered all this, I thought of Peter in the swells of a raging storm.  Read in Matthew 14:23-33.

"After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here! ” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed." (Matthew 14:23-33 NLT)

This passage is so rich with insight and meaning for us, as believers, but I want to focus on the fact that Jesus called Peter to get out of the boat of self-sufficiency into the raging waters of this world.  Peter was in a seemingly secure boat, but the waters were raging and threatening to overturn them.  I tend to want the security of control and managing things in my world.  Is that your personality as well?  When problems arise, I immediately begin the process of figuring out the steps for resolution rather than finding myself falling on my knees in prayer.  Thus, my mind wants to take off like a racehorse to tackle the day ahead of me, but all the needs begin swirling around me- threatening to overwhelm me.  My friend, all of our attempts to control and "fix" problems will fall short.  We are designed for dependence on the Father.  The crazy part is that while we fight for control, the freedom and joy we long for is found in letting it all go to the Father's more than capable hands.

Then, they saw Him- Jesus- doing the impossible by walking on the raging storms.  He does that for me, too.   When I finally look to Him - ever so desperately- I see Him walking towards me, calmly, in the midst of my storm.  The disciplines first reaction was to be fearful and too often that is my reaction as well because God's ways are not our ways.  We tend to want the security of predictability, but a life in Christ is not going to be predictable.  However, He gives us the promise that while the seasons of our life are continually changing that He is always there in the midst of the chaos.  Jesus brings them comfort- Don't be afraid.  Take courage.  I am here!  Without a doubt, there is no problem that is beyond God.  He is all power, all knowledge, all peace and fully capable.... no matter what you are facing, He is all you need.  He whispers those same words to your soul....Don't be afraid.  Take courage.  I am here! 

Today, in whatever you are wanting to control and manage, lay it at His feet.  Choose to walk purposefully with Him and claim the peace and security only found in the abandonment of personal control.  He always walks on water when we seek Him in our personal storms.

Tomorrow, we will finish this passage.... God willing!

Pick Up Your Mat

Over the last hours God has brought to mind many times when He asked people to walk through seemingly impossible circumstances in the scriptures.  My heart has been so broken over the difficult journeys that I witness others traveling down right now, and I have joined with them in prayer and petition to the Father. Where do we go when the journey He is calling us to travel seems like a wrong turn?  The fear grows within and sometimes seems to swell beyond our capabilities.... in panic, we desperately cry out to the Father.  In those moments, we must look to the scriptures in order to be reminded of all that He truly is and capable of doing in all circumstances!

Today, let us look at Matthew 9:1-8.

"Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.” But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And the man jumped up and went home! Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for sending a man with such great authority." (Matthew 9:1-8 NLT)

One of the first things I love about this passage of scriptures, is that friends brought this paralyzed man to Jesus.  My friend, isn't that our calling?  We are to bring our friends and family to the feet of Jesus daily by prayer giving their needs to Him.  Sometimes, when the need of one we love is greater than our resources to be a help, discouragement attacks, but the greatest thing we can do is diligently pray for those needs.  By doing so, we are "carrying" them to Jesus!!

 Jesus was so impressed by the faith of this group, He forgave the man His sins.  Now, why didn't He just physically heal the man's paralytic condition?  What good was it to heal the physical, but not the spiritual?  We all long for physical healing, but the spiritual healing is of most importance to the Father.  Many times, He heals us of both- all is possible with Him- but what will last for eternity is our spiritual condition.  Do you believe that God still heals physical needs?  I absolutely do!  My friend, our God is still in the miracle business.  Sometimes, we are so afraid of the disappointment, that we limit our faith in God and all that He is capable of doing in our lives.  We would rather keep Him in a box that we can understand, than be uncomfortable with the unlimited resources and possibilities of living a life immersed in Him.  In the end, we miss out.

Fear and respect for Jesus filled the crowd- they stood in awe of this man.  Suddenly, the full realization that He was so much more than they could ever imagine or comprehend hit them completely.  It is in times of desperate need, that the full revelation of who Jesus is in my life becomes clear and focused.  Sometimes, when we are paralyzed in fear and heartache, God through Christ says, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!"  Stand up out of that pit of fear, anger, hurt and self-pity.  Pick up the mat of all your self- sufficient attempts to cure the situation and come home to Him.  Walk to Him and cling to the only one who is all you really need.  He will not fail you!

Today, I am praying for you my Friend and I know that whatever journey He is calling you down, you are not alone.   He is there and  I am carrying you to Him!

Walk

Yesterday, we found ourselves in the sterile environment of our doctor's office as our youngest was sick, again.  The poor fella has been plagued over the past month with one thing after another.  This time we have been dealing with breathing issues as a result of an ongoing ear infection that will not go away.  In an attempt to help him recover as soon as possible, the doctor orders an injection - he even spells it... S...H...O...T.  The older boys cringe and begin to fret for their younger brother knowing the pain that would inevitably be coming.  The nurse comes in and with a sad look begins "prepping" and Kendall, who has fully realized what is happening, begins to panic.  When all is done, he weeps and sobs in my arms fully aware of the pain and hurt coming from his leg.  All are sympathetic, but we knew the necessity of it all.  What greater pain would await if his condition worsened and we found ourselves in the hospital?

As we arrived home, Kendall would not put any weight on that leg forcing me to carry him in the house.  I found him later scooting around the living room on his bottom trying to get to a toy he wanted.  Apparently, the leg was sore and using it caused him discomfort and pain.  So, he sat.... waited and called for us to do his bidding for him.  Soon, I realized that I had to make him walk and use it or the soreness would not ease- I gave him some pain medication to help, but then Reagan and I required that he walk and use that leg. It was hard to see him cry and agonize in the process, but we knew it must be done or the pain would last longer and be extended.

My sweet Father spoke to my heart in this event.... I have been through painful events that were like "shots" to help me grow and improve in my spiritual condition.  They hurt and disappointed me.  I cried and sobbed in the arms of my Father wishing that the pain hadn't been necessary.  He knew it was needed, necessary, and in my best interest.  The soreness would continue and I would want to be still and just sit in my misery.  God would ease my pain through the spiritual pain killer... the Holy Spirit... and encourage me to get up and walk.  He knows that only in walking with Him daily will I be able to move past the soreness of that event that hurt so deeply.  So, I walk.... but it hurts... I cry and agonize in the process.... but the Father holds my right hand and encourages me to take the next step.   The pain would not ease if I stopped living, I must walk to work through it.

Have you been there Friend?  Are you living it now?  Walking in the midst of pain is so hard, but it is what we need to get past those events that caused the original pain.  He will not leave us though- He is ever by our side, taking each painful step along with us.  Our tears resonate deep within Him and flood Him full of compassion and great love.  He hears your cries, but He must do what is best for you.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.... For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:10, 13 NIV)

Walk, my friend, and the pain will ease- the hardest steps are the first ones but they are never taken alone if you are in Christ.  Cling to His strength and walk.

Reagan's Love

Yesterday was Valentine's Day..... you are thinking to yourself that I am a little late in my recognition, and that is a fair statement.  I marveled at all the "floral" and sweet delight photos on Facebook yesterday.  Now, don't get me wrong- I enjoy Valentine's Day as I do most holidays!  In the past Reagan has given me chocolatly delights, beautiful floral arrangements, sparkling diamonds, and .... wait for it..... clothes, shoes, and.... purses!  Being a girly girl, all these treasures have brought joy and squeals of delight.   However, I thought a lot yesterday about all that he has given me in our nearly 17 years together.  This is what I came to see...his greatest gift has been his love.

His love has been patient and kind.  Sometimes, I marvel at the patience he has for me.  I can be a challenge sometimes in my crazy, spontaneous ways.  He has never wanted me to be anything different that what I am.  Reagan works so hard daily to make sure that we have what need and gives me the freedom to do what I love- care for our children.

His love isn't jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  He does not demand his own way.  He listens to my heart, thoughts and opinions before making decisions for our family.  Reagan strives to grow and mature in his love for me and that drives me to do the same.

He keeps no record of being wronged.  When we have issues, my past does get dragged out of the closet door to parade in front of me... taunting me with failures and short comings.  Instead he talks to me about the present and current conflict that we are working through. 

He rejoices when the truth wins out in my life.  Those times when I call him and share what God has taught me, convicted and grown me in a situation; his response is that of encouragement, love and support. 

He never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance with me.  Never.... not once.... has leaving ever been an option in our marriage.  He is committed to the end with this crazy brunette and I love him for that.

Of all the gifts he has given me, these are the greatest-- His love.  Even greater than that, he has loved with an everlasting love that comes from the Father.  I love all the treasures that he has blessed me with in our years together, but these are the ones that will last and endure for all time.  I love you Reagan.

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT)

Stay to the End

First, I must deeply and humbly thank you all for the words of encouragement from my last post regarding Caleb.  This past year has been quite a challenge for him, for us, but I know God has used it to draw us to His feet.  God has a special plan for each of us and I cling to all His promises for Caleb and for the future he has ahead of him.

A few nights ago, the weather was cold, wet, and as a result several of us were not feeling well.  I placed a leftover pot of soup on the stove to heat it through thinking that would be a perfect dinner considering our sickly state.  I went into the living room and began talking with Reagan and became distracted.  Now, I have expressed this before, but I am a pretty good cook.  It is not uncommon that others will request recipes from me and if practice makes perfect- I should be a professional chef soon!  Regardless, I forgot about the soup until my nose detected a strange smell coming from the kitchen and found smoke pouring out of the pot on the stove.   I moved it off the burner and tried to start the vent, but smoke filled the house and Reagan had to open some windows and the back door to the house in order to air things out.  I checked the soup and it was fine except that thick burned part at the bottom of the pan.  I took a taste of it and the flavor resembled what I would imagine charcoal might taste like.  We had pizza for dinner.  Go ahead- laugh- the pizza guy did.

I thought about this when I was studying the last part of our passage from Romans 8.... Do you have it memorized yet? 

"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun." (Romans 8:26-30 MSG)

I love the last part of this passage.. "he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun."  My friend, no matter what God is doing in your life, He will complete it.  Is He healing you of heartaches and past hurts?  He will complete it.  Is He restoring you to a new life and purpose in Him?  He will complete it.  Is He taking you down a path that you would have never imagined?  He will complete it.  He is ever present and always attentive to your needs and will not leave you...not ever.  When this life is over and you are finally "complete" in Him, He will take you home.  I did not watch my pot... I did not complete the task that I was doing and I am so thankful that God is everything that I am not!

I also love the part of the passage that God calls His people by name.... let that realization sink into your deepest core.  The divine God of the universe knows your name and calls you gently into His presence.  Too often in our society, we are reduced to a number.... driver's license number, social security number, or account number.  Not so with the Father.  He knows every detail about you and tenderly calls you by name. 

I have to share the remainder of chapter 8 from Romans because it is so encouraging and precious to my soul....

"So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." (Romans 8:31-39 MSG)

Oh Lord God.... My Incredible Father... it is so hard for me to fully realize that nothing...absolutely nothing can get between us and your love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us..... my heart may never fully comprehend that kind of love.  I long to know the deepness of your love for me Father so that I will never look to anything else. 

Have a blessed day, my Friend.

An Update on Caleb

Several months ago, at a wellness visit to our family physician, Caleb and I both shared some concern regarding his size and stature.  Our doctor, who is also a friend, agreed that the time had come to send him to an Endocrinologist in order to evaluate his size and see if anything could be done.  We went to that appointment and he endured several tests to determine if he would be a good candidate for growth hormone treatment.  We heard back several days later that he was a good candidate and that more testing would be necessary for him to begin.  This has been a very difficult time for us as we have prayed over our options.

Caleb has always been small as a result of many factors, but just in the last year has it began to affect him mentally and emotionally.  He has struggled with a low self-esteem and others treating him as younger than his age due to his size.  Over last summer, we walked through a journey of depression with him.  Thankfully, God has brought healing and while there are still difficult days, those have become fewer and father between. 

As we considered the treatments for Caleb, one part of me really longed to do anything to help him grow.  I think most mothers would do anything possible to help their child succeed.  Yet, another part of me had to consider the large expense and extensive process that this would entail for him.  We had another appointment with the Endocrinologist nearing in which we planned to ask a lot of questions and try to make a final decision about pursuing a treatment. 

Today, I called Caleb in and asked him to be honest with me regarding all this.  His response blew me away.  He indicated that he did not want to pursue the treatment because he felt that God had made him just the way he is and that God doesn't make mistakes.  He also said that while it is still hard when other kids don't recognize him for his actual age, he had been learning to walk away and let those frustrations go.  Caleb also told me that if others didn't believe him, that he knew God would hold them accountable for their actions- just as God would hold him accountable for his response.  I have been concerned that he would later regret not doing the treatments, but when I asked him about that, he responded by saying that if he did regret it later, he would just have to learn from his mistakes. 

As he walked out of the room, I felt such a peace within my heart.  God gently whispered to heart, "Just trust.  That is your answer."  Seeing my son respond with such maturity really blessed me beyond words.  His battles are many, but his faith is growing.  Isn't that what I have prayed for since he was in my womb?  God never fails us and I rejoice in what He is doing in and through Caleb.

Christ Etched in Us

This morning, just moments after Reagan had left for work- or so it seemed- I was greeted by a discreet soft knock at my bedroom door.  Then, Caleb entered with a folding television tray and he set it up beside my side of the bed.  Shortly after, he entered with a tray carrying breakfast and a mug of fresh, hot coffee.  I was surprised by his actions and asked him why was he doing this.... like most mothers I could imagine that there was a motivation behind his actions that could be self-serving.  However, he responded by saying, "I see all you do for us and I know Valentine's Day is close.  I just wanted to do it." 

I felt so blessed.  Blessed because I hope that is an indication of how he will treat his future bride and life mate- I actually spent some additional time praying for her- whoever she is- today.  Blessed that he recognized the work of my hands and deemed it notable and worthy of value.  While I do not earn a paycheck from week to week for all my efforts in our home, I do recognize it as my job and duty.  I also felt blessed because I saw him living out his faith in Christ by that action.  Living a relationship with the Father, through the blood of Christ, must be steeped in the service and honoring of others around us.  His actions reveal a heart that is being shaped and molded in the fashion of His Father and His Savior- Jesus Christ.

This brought me back to my passage in Romans 8.... God is so incredible that He has already planted the next passage of this scripture in my heart and when Caleb did this for me this morning.  No event in our lives is by chance or accident--- all has purpose.  Now, to the passage.....

"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun." (Romans 8:26-30 MSG)

Today, I have reflected on the part of this passage when God knew what He was doing from the beginning of time and planned the sacrificial gift of His Son in order to restore the humanity He loved.  The gift of the Christ child was conceived in a garden, carried out on a cross and was done so that we all could have wholeness through redemption and restored relationship with the Father.  Let that sink in.... He knew all along that we would fail, doubt Him, reject Him and live for ourselves, but He still carried out His plan because His love for us was greater than our failures.  Christ is first in line of the humanity that He saved because it was His blood spilled on the ground of Calvary and we should see the reflection of Him in all that God has for us.  Our lives cannot help but have the markings and image of Christ stamped deep within our purpose.... He is our living example.

So, as Caleb brought me breakfast this morning I knew he was simply intending to do an act of kindness for me, but I saw the imprint of Christ in his actions.  That is how it should be in us- fallible humans who are redeemed and restored to our original purpose.  Are we still going to mess up?  Of course.  Are we still going to choose self over service?  At times, yes, we will.  But, we should be steadily growing in the knowledge of Him so that we see more of Him and less of us in our daily actions.  This focus changes our attitude when we are going about our daily duties because all that we do can be a blessing to the Father if our heart is focused on that purpose of being a blessing - to Him and for Him.  This world will notice- humble actions of unselfish service will always draw a response because it is so against our human nature. Today, don't focus on all the tasks that must be done, but on how those tasks can be worship to the Father and opportunities to see the image of Christ etched in your molded soul.

Many blessings today, my friend, and let us finish this passage study tomorrow.  See you then!

To Grow Us

Wow!  What a crazy few past days.  The last post I shared on Friday I wrote while traveling down Interstate 35 on our way to Austin- Reagan drove by the way! :)  We had several fun filled days and my hopes of blogging evaporated along with my hopes of sleeping in.  I should be able to sleep in when the boys are grown, right?  Anyway, it was another memory making trip that we were blessed to make. 

In the process, we took the boys to a fun trampoline filled palace called "Jump Street".  While the older boys loved it and immediately set off to have an adventure, Kendall kept very close to me.  He wanted to go and experience some of the fun, but several stations were either off -limits due to his age and size or too frightening to do alone.  Finally, once he braved up and was assured that I would remain close by, he began playing.  Then, he had a blast!  I knew he would have a wonderful time; if, he could just relax and trust that I would not let anything harm him.  He just needed the assurance that I was there.

This takes me back to the passage we started on Friday in the blog, When the Words Won't Come, from Romans chapter 8.

"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun." (Romans 8:26-30 MSG)

I shared about how God -through the gift of the Holy Spirit- gives us an outlet for constant communication with Him... even when we can't form the words that express our need to the Father.  He pleads our wordless sighs and aching groans to our precious Father.  What a beautiful thought!!!  The Holy Spirit also knows us better than we know ourselves and keeps us ever in the mind of God.  I also love the statement, "He...knows our pregnant condition" as I think it is reflective that He knows our full potential and what we can be through Him.  The Father is ever aware of our shortcomings as well as gifts and uses them all to fulfill the plan He has for us... that is why we can trust that every detail in our lives is worked for our good- He is just shaping us and building us into our full potential!

Let that moment sink in.... no matter what you are going through, God is using it to shape you, grow you, and challenge you to be the most you can be.  He never wastes a hurt or a blessing.  ALL of it is needed for your benefit and maturity in faith.  As I reflect back on Kendall at the jumping place on Saturday, and I knew he would enjoy it if he could grow in his trust of me- that I would protect him and that I would be there the whole time.  Seeing him enjoy it and have so much fun was a victory for me as much as him in many ways.  I think that is how God views us as well.... when we trust Him to be there and that He will always have our best interest at heart, He gains a victory as well as us.  What an incredible God we serve!?!?! 

I want to leave you with some photos of our time "jumping" around and I look forward to sharing more insights from this passage tomorrow.  Many blessings!

Caleb gave it a "thumbs up"!  I honestly couldn't catch him to get an action shot!

Carson "Wild Man" Boles swinging on a rope.  He stayed on the rope longer than anyone else.

Kendall riding in a tea cup!

When the Words Won't Come

I love having a toddler in the house! There is just so much joy wrapped up in witnessing them experiencing things for the first time. Anything from the first sour lemon experience (Are you puckering?) to their sheer excitement over getting an ice cream cone can just make you smile all over! One of my favorite things is when they first start talking- the word choices and expressions just tickle my heart. Kendall tries so hard to come up with the right words for what he is feeling or wanting to express. Sometimes, he just gives up and acts out his thought. I am realizing just how much I will miss that as his vocabulary expands.

This morning, I read the following passage from Romans...

"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun." (Romans 8:26-30 MSG)

Isn't that a beautiful passage- it is rich with promise for us! The main thing that hit me was just how loving God is in that when we are at our weakest... and unable to express our deepest need, He -through the Holy Spirit- pleads for us. Our sighs and groans become passionate pleas to the Father as the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. Let that thought soak in.... We are never without a way to communicate with Him. Glory!

No matter the heartache, need, or desperate situation you can go to your Father. He longs for you to do so!! Today, carry your heart to our loving Father and trust in His love for you.

Tomorrow, I hope to expand on this passage more. Much love and hugs!

A Big Mess

As most of you know, I truly love my morning coffee.  There is just not much better than a hot, steaming cup of coffee- perfectly creamed- in my hands as I curl up in my favorite chair to study God's word.  That truly is one of my favorite "treats" in my day.  So, yesterday morning I had prepared my coffee with just the right amount of sugar and creamer when I bumped the cup and heard the splatter of coffee hitting the floor.  My heart sunk....

I know it is silly to get upset over spilled milk... um, coffee... but, I didn't even get a taste of it!  I think what made it worse is that I had to clean up the mess.  As a mother, I feel like I clean up messes constantly, but I expect that with kids.  When I make the mess, however, I get frustrated with myself.  Why didn't I just pay attention?   Carson sweetly helped me clean up my sticky spill and off I went to my quiet time.    For some reason, this event has continued to be on my mind.  Perhaps it is the still somewhat sticky spot on my kitchen floor or the warped cereal boxes that got caught in the coffee flood on the counter.  This morning, a thought hit me.... at least this mess was clean"able".  How many times have I thought about and tortured myself over mistakes in my past that I could not go back and correct.  Maybe it was the time I didn't hold my tongue and I said something that I shouldn't have or the times when I caved to an easy solution to a problem rather than honoring the Father and "doing it right".  Perhaps, it was the time when I got caught up in the longings of the world.... money, power, possessions, "love" and so forth.  I don't think there is a believer out there who hasn't struggled with these things.  We are all fallen sinners who only by the grace of God are redeemed for His glory.

 

Which brings me to my next thought.... there is no mess too big for God's grace.  None.  He can redeem anyone and anything for His glory- absolutely and completely.   

"Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He's actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won't quit until it's all cleansed. God himself is Fire!" (Hebrews 12:28, 29 MSG)

"Jesus came down the mountain with the cheers of the crowd still ringing in his ears. Then a leper appeared and went to his knees before Jesus, praying, "Master, if you want to, you can heal my body." Jesus reached out and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be clean." Then and there, all signs of the leprosy were gone. Jesus said, "Don't talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed body to the priest, along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done." (Matthew 8:1-4 MSG)

"Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on: The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side. "Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!" (Matthew 11:4-6 MSG)

My Friend, no matter how big our mess is, we have a bigger God.  He is capable of cleansing you from it all, but as amazing as that, he is willing to do so.  In fact, he longs to cleanse you of all the messes in your world!  So, let us be brimming with worship and deeply reverent before our precious God!  He is not indifferent to your needs, but fully engaged and active in purifying you!  Today, lay it all at His feet and leave it there.  If you are cleansed and redeemed then be tortured no longer by the evil one.  You are redeemed and your sins have been cast into the sea of forgetfulness- count yourself blessed!

Perfectly Imperfect

At Christmas, Reagan purchased this watch for me as a surprise.  I had originally bought one for a Christmas party at church and fell so in love with it.  I had looked online and at the store where I had made the original purchase, but they did not have any others available.  So, he drove to another city to buy this watch for me- did I mention how much I love him?  I think why I love this watch so much is all the "bling" on it!  I am a girly girl and love some sparkles- maybe it helps make up for all the camo in my world, right?  Of all the gifts I received, this was probably one of my favorites because of how much effort he went to in order to get it for me.  I have worn it several times and at one point, I realized that one of the stones around the dial had fallen out. (Can you see it?  Look closely around the "5".)  Disappointed, I hadn't worn it in a few days.  This past Saturday Reagan asked me about the watch and I made a commitment to myself to wear it to church yesterday.... surely, no one would notice the one little stone missing.....

 

As I sat in church, I looked down at the watch and thought again of how much I really loved it- except for that one missing stone- I began to ponder ways of "fixing" it.  Suddenly, I felt God speaking to my heart, You don't like imperfection, do you?  If it has a blemish or imperfection, you tend to love it less.  I love you despite imperfection and sin.  Ouch.  The truth cut deep, and yet my eyes suddenly could see the truth in it.  I do long for perfection- especially in the details of things, but will I ever really experience perfection this side of heaven?  Several thoughts hit me as I have considered all this....

 

That longing for perfection is truly the longing for heaven- my true home- within my soul.  The only place where we will find honest perfection is in heaven. 

 

Sometimes, I look for perfection in others and yet, no one is capable of that.  Is that fair for my husband, kids, friends, and family to have to try and live up to an unattainable standard?

 

God loves me despite my faults, failures, sins and stubbornness.  If he can love me like that, then it should be my goal to love others despite their short-comings.

 

I tend to look down on myself if I am not capable of achieving all that I think I should.... yet, if the God of the universe can love me despite my failures, why can't I give myself a break?  I will never be perfect, but I can rejoice in His perfect plan in my life that uses my imperfections for HIS glory!

 

I will wear my watch proudly and will think of my Savior and how He uses my flaws and imperfections to benefit His kingdom.  May my heart flood with the realization of His great love for me despite them.  What an incredible God we serve, Friend!

 

 

 

 

My Life, My Offering

I had an opportunity this morning to get up early and spend some time alone with my Father before all the activities and craziness of this day began.  As some of you may have noticed, I have been reading quite a bit in the Message version of the scriptures.  I find that sometimes reading a different version opens my eyes up to things I might not see- spiritually- reading a version that I have memorized or have read often.  It isn't unusual for me to get hooked on a particular version for awhile, and then I switch again and change it up. 

I read a passage this morning that has really made me think...

"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (Romans 12:1, 2 MSG)

In many ways, I have tried to view my life as an offering to the Lord.  I think that is part of why I see Him so much in the ordinary events in my life and as I parent my children.  However, sometimes I can lose my focus in the sea of ordinary.  It is so easy to see God in the major events- good and bad- that happen to our family, but when each day seems to mirror the next, the task of viewing my life as an offering to the King of Kings gets harder.  I too easily get caught up in all the daily needs and tasks that must draw my attention.  As many of you know, our oldest son has epilepsy and I have shared my heart about it many times, but especially in the post, Grace for Today .  We control it very well, but one of the medications he has to take for it often has side effects that we must deal with.

Yesterday, I had a very busy agenda, but Caleb became ill after taking his medication and had to rest for a few hours.  This was not working with my plans and to be totally honest, I became frustrated- not at him, but with the medication and illness.  God reminded me that He was in control of our day and my agenda and all that I truly needed was to look to Him for wisdom and guidance.  By the end of the day, most everything that I really needed to accomplish was done and I saw God in the timing and details of the day.

As I read these verses in the early dawn of this day, I was reminded that simply seeking Him, being obedient in the mundane tasks of a day and responding quickly to what He calls us to do any given situation is a beautiful offering to Him.  This also changes my view in parenting- do I just want obedient kids or do I want them to view their actions as an offering to the Father and let that guide their actions and the decisions they make.  Wow..... there is a difference isn't there?  Am I living that kind of lifestyle before them?

My prayer today is this.... Father, take my everyday, ordinary life- when I am sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking as Your offering.  I want to embrace all that You do for me, Father.  Help me not to blend with this world, but my focus be on you- my King!  Help me to be genuinely changed from the inside out with eyes that are ready to see what You want me to do and feet that are quick to respond.  Please bring out a spiritual maturity in me Father and let me see you in all the simple events of my day.